What to Expect

Welcome.

Wondering what to expect when you attend a Highland Community Church campus?

Please note: for campus specific details like service times, or a map, please visit the Campuses page. For most current activities, event dates, or ministry contacts, visit our Calendar or our news publication called Highland Happenings.

What do people wear at Highland?

Pants, shorts, sweatpants, jeans, skirts, dresses, dress shirts, t-shirts, ties, tennis shoes, high heels, leather vests, cowboy boots, flip-flops, and even floppy hats. Get the idea? Feel free to wear what is comfortable for you, but do keep in mind that we have a desire to always be honoring and respectful of one another.

What takes place during most Sunday morning worship services?

Our typical worship service each week includes: 1/2 hour of lively worship music led by a praise band and singers, relevant messages/teaching, prayer, an offering, and other elements to enhance your worship experience. Some of our services contain video or musical presentations, stories of how God is at work, or live drama. Our Traditions worship service (Wausau Campus room B12 at 10:20 a.m. during the school year / 8:50 a.m. in summer) features traditional hymns and readings accompanied by the same teaching that is at the 10:30 a.m. Wausau service (9:00 a.m. summer service).

What does it mean for a service to have a video?

Some of our services watch that morning's message (recorded live earlier that Sunday) on video. The video service may vary depending on the week. The other elements of a worship service are generally "in person" at each campus. If you are opposed to watching the preaching on video, you will want to attend our 8:00 a.m. Wausau Campus service as preaching is always in-person at that service. On occassional Sundays, the other services have an in-person message as well, however it does vary from time to time.

How long are your worship services?

Our worship services are about 70 minutes long.

What do I do with my children during church?

You are welcome to keep your children with you throughout the service, sit in the cry room with your children, place younger children (birth - 3 years) in nursery, or have children (age 4 - 2nd grade) participate in our Children's Church program (children are dismissed during the offering time for a child-centered lesson). To keep children (birth – 5th grade) who are attending Nursery, Sunday School or Children’s Church safe, parent sign-in is required. Parents will need to print off a name tag for your child and parent badge at one of our kiosks. If you are new to Highland, we would be happy to help assist you at the Nursery counter. Please be prepared to show your parent badge when picking up your child.

As a visitor or newcomer will I be welcome and will I be singled out in some way?

You are always welcome at Highland Community Church. As you walk through the doors there is a good chance you’ll be warmly greeted with a handshake and a word of welcome. Beyond that your level of participation is up to you. You can grab a cup of coffee and mingle, browse through the materials in our literature racks/table, or simply lay low if that’s most comfortable for you.

What if I’m not a “Christian” or don’t have a church background?

We’re glad you’re here. We enjoy the fact that Highland is made up of people who range widely in spiritual backgrounds and life experiences. We believe that God has each of us on a spiritual journey, but we recognize that not all people are at the very same point which is why we focus on "helping you taking the next step in your relationship with God" no matter where you are in your journey. We’re glad you’re here and we look forward to having God lead you forward to take the next step.

Do you have “communion” or the “Lord’s Supper” and may I participate?

We generally serve communion on the first Sunday of the month. Anyone who has received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and is walking in fellowship with God, may participate regardless of church affiliation.

Will I be asked to give money to the church?

You will never be pressed or obligated in any way to give financially at Highland. However, we do believe that an important aspect of following the Lord is consistent and growing “stewardship” of resources (time, gifts, finances, etc.). Therefore, during each worship service we take an offering for the ongoing work of God in our church and beyond. On occasion, we will make additional opportunities for financial giving available for special causes/needs.